KINGSTON, JAMAICA – On December 20, 2005, Jamaica welcomed its one- millionth visitor from the United States for this year, when a New York family landed at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. This is the first time that Jamaica has received one million visitors from an individual market in a single year – a testament that Jamaica is a destination of choice for American visitors.
Tracy Groden of New York City, was warmly welcomed upon arrival at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport by the Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook, who escorted her to a reception led by the Hon. Aloun N’dombet Assamba, Minister of Industry and Tourism. Other officials in attendance were Horace Peterkin, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association; Carrole Guntley, Director General in the Ministry of Industry and Tourism; Clive Taffe, Regional Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board; and Don Smith, General Manager, Sandals Airport Operations. Tracy Groden was traveling with her husband and two children and they are booked to stay at Beaches in Negril.
The visitors and local media attended a small reception in the Government VIP Lounge at the airport. The family was presented with an all- expense-paid one-week trip back to Jamaica, courtesy of Air Jamaica, represented by Airport Manager Wyley Sweeney, and Half Moon, represented by Director of Sales, Myrtle Dwyer. The Minister of Tourism and Director of Tourism presented gifts to Tracy, including artwork by a Jamaican artist Everald Powell and a basket of Jamaican rum, coffee, a book and other products.
